The Best N54 Single Turbo Kit for BMW 335i or 135i
I tried MMP Stage 3 twin turbos, but never felt the “wow” factor I was hoping for. After worrying about wastegate rattle and smoking turbos for too long, I decided it was finally time to go big or go home. Meet the Doc Race 135i/335i N54 single turbo kit!
Once I decided to convert my N54 from twin turbos to a single turbo, I spent countless hours researching what kit I should go with, which parts needed to be replaced, what upgrades needed to be done, etc.
To save you that same hassle, I will share all the information you need to know below. With this complete list, I was able to safely make 749whp on the stock motor in my BMW 135i. Even if you’re not after a ton of horsepower, this is a great kit to go with when getting rid of the stock turbos.
If you want to read about my journey converting my N54 to single turbo, check out my previous post. Otherwise, all of the information and products are linked below.
DOC RACE N54 SINGLE TURBO KIT
I ordered the Doc Race N54 single turbo kit with a ball-bearing 6266 turbo.
In my opinion, this is the best single turbo kit on my market. I would suggest opting for the ball-bearing turbo like I did. However, if budget is a concern, you can save $1000 by going with the journal bearing 6266 turbo kit. If you have AWD, you will need the X-Drive specific kit instead.
The fitment is perfect. This kit includes much more than others. The parts are top-notch quality. The serviceable areas (O2 sensors, wastegates, etc.) are easy to access. Their customer service is amazing. I could go on…
You can click each item below for a direct link to the product.
ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY ADDITIONAL PARTS:
- Coolant Pipe Gasket
- Mac Solenoid
- Exhaust Heat Wrap – wrap downpipe AND manifold!
- Heat-Reflective Tape – use on valve cover & A/C line!
- Heat Sheath – use on oil feed line and vacuum lines
- BMW Coolant
- Motul X-cess 5W-40 Oil – 5L
- Motul X-cess 5W-40 Oil – 1L (2)
- Mann Oil Filter
TUNING:
- JB4 Tuner
- Download the free single turbo firmware
- MHD Flashing Cable
- Download MHD mobile app (requires Android)
- Use the free JB4/MHD Backend Flashes
- OTG USB Adapter
MY UPGRADES FOR HIGH HORSEPOWER:
- XClutch 9″ Ceramic Twin Disc Clutch (for 700+whp)
- SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch and Single-Mass Flywheel (for 500-650whp)
- BMW 335is Clutch Kit (for 400-500whp)
- VRSF 7.5″ Race Intercooler
- BMS Charge Pipe & TiAL BOV
- Precision Raceworks Ignition Kit
- NGK spark plugs gapped @ 0.020″
- Precision Raceworks Stage 3 LPFP
- Precision Raceworks Port Injection Kit
- JB4 Port Injection Controller
- BMS Oil Catch Can
- BMS Upgraded PCV
- 3.5 Bar TMAP Sensor
- 3.5 Bar TMAP Sensor adapter harness
- Poly Transmission Mounts
- BMR 3.5″ Exhaust (if you have 135i)
- Corsa 3.5″ Exhaust (if you have 335i)
- Doc Race Intake Manifold
- MFactory 3.08 LSD
- DSS 1000HP axles
- Burger Motorsports differential brace
PARTS TO REPLACE WHILE YOU’RE IN THERE:
- NGK Spark Plugs (6) – if yours are older than 15k miles
- Ignition Coils (6) – if yours are older than 30k miles
- Front O2 Sensor (cyl 1-3)
- Front O2 Sensor (cyl 4-6)
- Rear O2 Sensor (cyl 1-3)
- Rear O2 Sensor (cyl 4-6)
- Index 12 Injector Kit
- Valve Cover Kit
- Water Pump Kit
- Thermostat
- Oil Pan Gasket
- Oil Pan Bolts
- Oil Filter Housing Gasket
- Oil Cooler Gasket
- Pair of Motor Mounts
- Flywheel Bolts (8)
- Transmission Bellhousing Bolt Kit
- Serpentine Belt
- Tensioner/Idler Pulley
- Vacuum Lines
- Magnetic Drain Plug
TOOLS THAT MAKE THE JOB EASIER:
- Engine Brace
- O2 Sensor Removal Socket
- Magnetic BMW Spark Plug Socket
- BMW Jack Pad Adapter
- Spark Plug Feeler Gauge
- QuickJack System
- Torque Wrench
- Magnetic Work Light
- Cordless Screwdriver
- Pair of Jack Stands
- Low Profile Jack
After putting a couple thousand miles on the exact setup above, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The car makes great power and has been very reliable for me because of a diligent installation with proper parts. Cheers to another couple thousand miles!
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Thank you very much for sharing this information. Really helps to cut through the noise in planning modifications.
Question if you don’t mind, did the Doc race kit come with an installation guide? Do you have any additional soruces for installation?
Thank you.
No problem! The kit does not come with an installation guide, but if you look up “Budget Bimmers” on YouTube, they have a video or two that guides you through the installation with a DIY style.
i have an 09 335i manual. im having the wastegate issue that these engines have. So im looking into a single turbo. Ive been reading and came across your post. just curious on costs…how much were the parts and how much did installation cost. Just trying to get an idea. Also, how long would it take to get this project completed on average. Thanks
The kit itself is the most expensive part. If you’re not shooting for a ton of horsepower, you don’t need much else besides the kit. I have another post on my website that highlights a few other parts to replace while you’re installing the kit. But overall, this job probably takes 12 hours to install from someone who knows what they’re doing.
Do you know much about how easily this setup could be done in E89 Z4, say 2011?
I know a couple of the DocRace kit parts must be modified, but what about “all the rest”?
What I like about your configuration is that it emphasizes all components in order for engine to safely generate such power?
How long now do you expect your engine to hold up?
And how easy is it to run this setup somewhat more “mildly” most of the time – pump gas?
Sorry for so many questions, but you seem to know so much about a “responsible” setup and I don’t find a lot of info on Doc Race single turbo kit on Z4 versus 135i, 335.
Hi Woody – sorry for the late response! I believe just the downpipe has to be modified to fit the Z4. Not 100% sure, but that’s what I’ve heard. As for engine longevity, I believe that at modest power levels it will last for a long time. Anything under 600whp and you should be okay. You won’t be going higher than this on pump gas anyways.
So with your experience and knowledge, could someone get into 600whp for <$5,000 all inclusive? Thanks!
Yes, I believe so. If you’re budget oriented and concious of your spending. Buy used parts when possible, find deals on as many parts as you can. 600whp is easier than 750+whp. Pick and choose items from my modifications list and save money when possible.
What would you say total cost was with all the listed parts ?
It’s up there, but that’s because I did things right the first time and it’s held up great ever since. I did a full video that describes the total cost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB1-t2zCFqU